i THE HOMES 



OF OUR 



FOREFATHERS 



BEING A SELECTIOX OK THE 



Oldest and Most Interestinir Historical Houses and Noted 
Places in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. 

From Original Drawings Taken on the Spot, 



1 



EDWIN WHITEFIELD. 



/' ^ OF CO\qJ> 
CopvitlGHT Bv Edwin Whitefibld, 1S86. HAW nCi i OQC / 

IVIAY 'sy loob ',' 

.-!« Ri^Al! Reserved. \ / , S^ <^ V ^" / ' 



l«(«SH' 



READING, MASS: 

E. WHITEFIELD, 

1886. 



f5 



INTRODUCTION. 

All who nre interested in this collection of the ancestral homes of New England will, I 
trust, read the following : 

After innumerable trials and diflficulties, the full history of which would fill fifty of these 
pages, I have at length completed the third volume of " Homes of Our Forefathers." Nearly 
seven years have passed away since I commenced the work. 

Very few persons can have any adequate idea of the time, labor and expense required to 
collect the materials and superintend the getting up of these books. The many weary miles I 
have travelled to ascertain the correct dates or the names of those who built these houses ; 
hunting up old wills in the Probate Court; examining old deeds in the Registrar's Office; visit- 
ing graveyards, to decipher, if possible, the date of some person's death ; calling on Mr. A, B, 
and C, and tr}-ing to reconcile the different and often contradictory stories they would tell me, 
etc., etc., are a few of the labors incident to this undertaking. 

That in spite of all my eflorts to be absolutely correct, there may be found some trifling 
errors ; that some of the drawings may be slightly inaccurate in unimportant details, I am quite 
willing to admit, but this will surely be pardoned, for, perhaps when I was making the sketches, 
rain or snow was falling on my paper, or the wind was blowing a gale, and making it extremely 
difficult to sketch at all. 

And this reminds me of a question I have often been asked, and that is, why I did not 
take photographs of these houses. I answer that very seldom would this process have been 
desirable, because in very many cases, alterations and additions have been made at various 
times to these buildings, which I have left out, and shown them as they were originally. Then 
again, frequently trees hid important features ; of course in sketching I could leave these trees 
out partially or wholly. 

I will now say a few words in regard to the financial part of this undertaking. From first 
to last I have been obliged to bear the whole expense, as I could not induce any society or 
individual to invest money in the enterprise. That this has been a pretty heavy burden will be 
evident fro]n the following statement : 

I have given up fully five years of valuable time, worth to me at least $12,000, and have 
expended in \arious ways about $5,000 in cash. The returns so far from the sales of this work 
have amounted to nearly $3,500, so that I may truly say I have sunk, directly and indirectly, 
about $13,500. 

Most persons reading this will naturally wonder w'hat could have induced me to go on with 
such an unprofitable business. Well, I confess it does seem rather simple on my part ; but the 
fact is, that when I make up my mind to accomplish anything, I am determined to go through 
with it. No matter what obstacles may lie in my path, I am bound to remove them, sooner or 
later. 

Having then made up my mind that this was an undertaking that ought to be put through, 
and always having felt a great interest in antiquarian matters generally and the early history of 
New England in particular, I decided to carry it through to completion, should my life be 
spared : and I thank a kind Providence that He has enabled me so to do. 

To all friends who have interested themselves in this work of mine, and to the Press, for 
their kind notices, I return my sincere thanks. 

I w'ill say no more, except to observe that in spite of all my trials, sacrifices and disap- 
pointments, I do not regret that I have undertaken this task, for it has been to me a labor of 
love; and the only regret I feel is that I have not been able to do it better; as, had I been pos- 
sessed of greater means, this would have been a far more elaborate work. 

Reading, Mass., May, 1886. E. VVHITEFIELD. 



HISTORICAL NOTES 



1602. Bartholomew Gosnold landed at Mt. Desert. 

1603. Martin Prinsj visited Penobscot Bay. 

1604. The French under De Monts explored Passamaquoddy Bay. 

1605. Capt. Weymouth visited the Island of Mohegan and planted a garden, in 

which "iVeir raised tlic first vegetables by white men in New England. 

1607. Popham and Gilbert landed at Mohegan Island and built some cabins ; and 
afterwards proceeded to the main land, near what is now called Atkin's Bay, 
and established the first settlement in New England, but it was abandoned 
the year after, the settlers returning to England. 

1614. The noted Capt. Jno. Smith landed at Mohegan, remaining there several 
months. 

1622. Mohegan was permanently settled. 

1623. A permanent settlement at Saco. 

1624. A settlement made at Pemaquid. 

1629. Jno. Mason granted a patent of the country lying between the Merrimac and 
Piscataqua Rivers, and called it New Hampshire. 

1634. Sir P"erdinando Gorges appointed Governor-General of all New England. 

1642. The Town of York, Me., received a city charter from Gorges, with a Mayor, 
twelve Aldermen, and twenty-four Commonmen ; thus being the first City in 
New England. 

1622. The Laconia Company of New Hampshire was formed. 

1623. Thompson, Edward and Wm. Hilton and others settled at the mouth of 

Piscataqua River, and at Odiorne's Point Thompson erected the first framed 
house built in New Hampshire. It was afterwards called "Mason's Hall." 

1 63 1. The "Great House" was built by Humphrey Chadbourne, about three miles 
from Mason Hall, on what was called Strawberry Bank. 

1724. The first permanent settlement in Vermont was made in what is now the town 
of Brattleboro. This post was called Fort Dummer. 

1 73 1. The French made a settlement in what is now the Town of Addison. 

Bennington was the first town chartered by New Hampshire in what is now the 
State of Vermont. 

The population of Vermont in 1775 was about 20,000. 

1776. A convention was held at Dorset agreeing to support the Declaration of 
Independence. 

1779. Ethan Allen died, aged fifty. He was a native of Litchfield, Conn. 

1784. Seth Warner died, aged forty-two. He was also a native of Connecticut. 

1791. Vermont admitted as a State. 




THE MclNTIRE GARRISON HOUSE, YORK, ME. 

. This remarkable old house was built by Malcolm Mclntire about 1640, for a Garrison House. It is huilt 
of solid square logs in a very substantial manner and has been taken g-ood care of. The left-hand portion is 
undoubtedly more modern. It has never been painted. 




THE JENKINS GARRISON HOUSE, YORK, ME. 

This is another Cirrison House, similar in most respects to the other near which it stands. It is rapid- 
ly railing to pieces and will soon he numbered among the things that were. 




KELLEY HOUSE, SACO, ME. 

This is also on Front Street and was probably built about 1760. Jt has been slightly altered, the old chim- 
ney, especially, in the centre having been replaced by tivo small ones. 




THE CUTIS MANSION, SACO, ME. 

This, when built by Col. Cults in 1780, was the handsoniest house in Saco. It is still in good condition, 
and, standing :is it docs on such high ground, commands a fine view of the Saco River and the surrounding 
country. It belongs now to the Water Power Co. The small house on the left is of no special importance. 




EMMERSON HOUSE, KENNEBUNK, ME. 

This was built by Waldo Eramerson about 1760. It was a handsome house and is in a good state of pres- 
en-ation. It stands on the road to Kennebunkport. 






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WALKER HOUSE, KENNEBUNKPORT, ME. 

This was built by Gideon VV:i]ker about 1745 and is in a ^ood stale of repair. The porch is probably a 
modern addition. It was the third house erected in what is now the village. It was until recently unpainted. 




THE CLEEVE OR CLEAVES HOUSE, SACO. ME. 

This house sUmds on Front Street :ind was built about 1772, probably by a descendant of tlie noted Geo. 
Cleeve who may be said to have been the founder of Portland, as he was the first settler there, in 1630, with his 
wife and daughter Elizabeth. 




WARREN HOUSE, SACO, ME. 

This stands on Front Street between the Cleaves and Kelley houses and is believed to be the oldest house 
in the town. It is supposed to have been built by Sam'l Warren about 1730. It has been somewhat altered. 




THE SPARHAWK HOUSE, KITTERY. ME. 

This was built by Cnl. Nathaniel Sparhawk in 1742. He married Elizabeth, only daughter of Sir Wm. 
Pepperell. This house is finely situated and has been considerably modernized. Its original appearance as 
represented in the above drawing is believed to be correct. 




THE PEPPERELL MANSION, KITTERY, ME. 

This fine old mansion was built by Col. Wm. Pepperell, son of Sir Wm. Pepperell. It was originally a 
much more imposing building, as ten feet have been cut off from each end. It is still a fine old house, the front 
ball is very large and has a wide staircase; it, and the East parlor are both handsomely panelled. 




THE McLELLAN HOUSE. GORHAM. ME. 

This is claimed to be the first brick house erected in the State of Maine, by Hug-h McLellan in 1273. It 
is in e. g-ood state of repair. The above picture represents it as it was originally, as it has been considerably 
changed from its first appearance. 




THE OLD McLELLAN HOUSE, GORHAM, ME. . ' 

This is a very old house, probably erected by Janies McLellan. The date is uncertain, but it was proba- 
bly about 1770. It is in a rather dilapidated condition. It is believed to be the first frame house built in 
Gorham. 




THE BRADBURY HOUSE, YORK, ME. 

This is a very old house, standing on the banks of York River. It was probably built about 1680, by a 
Capt. •Yoang, and afterwards passed into possession of the Bradbury family; but after spending much time 
and corresponding with several persons I cannot speak with certainty as to its early history. 




THE WADSWORTH HOUSE, HIRAM, ME. 

General Peleg Wadsworth was born in Duxbury, Mass., and settled in Hiram about 1790, and built this 
house soon afterwards. 




THE WESTON HOUSE, HARDINGS, ME. 

This is a very old house, about four miles from Bath, and is 
supposed to have been buUt about 1766. 



THE HALEY HOUSE, BIDDEFORD, ME. 

This house stands on the North side of the Pool Road near 
tlie new road leading across Leighton's Point to the Beach. It is 
saidto have been built in 1730, and five generations of the Haley 
family have been brought up in it. 




THE NEVIN HOUSE, KENNEBUNKPORT, ME. 

This stands near Kennebunk River and is said to be the old- 
est house at the Port having been built between 1720 and 1734. 
There is now a piazza in front whi^ I have left out. 



THE DUNNING HOUSE, HARPSWELL NECK, ME. 

This was built by Deacon Andrew Dunning as eajly as J764, 
if not before. 




THE SAM L SEW£LL HOUSE, BATH, 



This is a very old house, on High Street, built probably about 
1780 by Samuel or Henry Sewell. It is in a rather dilapidated coo-- 
dition. ^ 



HOUSE, BATH, 



This was built by Cul. Duramel Sewell in 17&4 and is in 
good state of repair. This also stands on High Street. 





THE HARLOV/ HOUSE, BANGOR, ME, 

This h<nise is on Center St., opposite the Universalist Church 
and if not tlie oidest is one of tlie oldest in Bangor. It was proba- 
bly built in 1780. 



THE OLD CUTTS HOUSE AND STORE, SACO, ME. 

This was built by Col. Cutts long before he erected tlie large 
house on the hill. Here his children were born and here it was that 
he made his money. It is very dilapidated. 




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THE ORR HOUSE, 0R.=< S ISLAND. ME. 

This is said to have been built by Joseph Orr in 1756. Orr's 
Island belongs to the Town of Harpswell. 




THE PAYSON HOUSE, BIDOEFORO. ME. 

This is an old, dilapidated building on Wliite's Wharf said to 
have been built by a man named Townsend. It was an old house 
in 1793 when it was bought by Sam*l Payson or Pierson. 







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THE HOLYOKE HOUSE, BREWER, ME, 
This is probably tlie oidest house in the Town of Brc\ver, hav. 
ing been built by John Holyoke in 1783. 



THE THATCHER HOUSE, BIODEFORD, ME, 
This is said to have been built by Judge Thatcher, first Mem- 
ber of Congress from Me., when it was part of Mass. 




LONGFELLOW'S BIRTH-PLACE, PORTLAND, ME. 

This stands on Fore Street, corner of Hancock. It was built by Jas. Campbell, who could not complete 
il, and sold it to the Longfellows or Stevensons, who were connected in business. Here the Poet was born. 
The lower part is now turned into a store. I have shown the house as it was originally, and the water view as 
it probably was before the Grand Trunk R. R., was built. 




THE WADSWORTH-LONGFELLOW HOUSE, PORTLAND, ME 

This, which was the first brick house erected in Portland, was built byPeleg Wadswnrlh, grandfather of 
the Poet, in 1785-87. The bricks were brought from Philadelphia. It was originally two Stories high ; the third 
story having been added by Stephen Longfellow, the Poet's father, in 1808. It stands on Congress Street, in 
the heart of the city, but when built was quite in the country. The Poet spent most of his youthful days here. 




THE THOMPSON HOUSE, BRUNSWICK. ME. 

This stood on the south side of the road to Harding's Sta- 
tion. It wa:- built by Cornelius Thompson about 1746, or probably 
earlier. It was burned down in 1882. 



THE DEAN HOUSE, BTOOEFORD. ME. 

This house belongs to Judge Luques, and it has been gener- 
ally believed that Gov. Sullivan lived here, if he did not build it. 
But another report is that it was built by Oliver Dean about 1768. 
There is some doubt about either story. 




OLD JAtL, YORK. ME. 

This is probably the oldest jail in the country, having been 
built in 1653, and was, until recently, the property of the county, 
but it now belongs to the Town of York and is kept in a good state 
of repair. It is occasionally used as a temporary place of deten- 
tion for criminals. 



OLD. POST OFFICE. GARDINER. ME. 

This was erected and used as a store by Dr. Gardiner in 
1763. He was a most enterprising and energetic man ; and did more 
than any other person to develop tliis part of Maine. The Doctor 
came from Kingston, R. I., and commenced operations here about 
1762. 




THE TILDEN HOUSE. CASTINE. ME. 

Thib la ajid to liavc been built by or for the Rev. Mr. Mason, 
the first settled minister of Castine, and occupied by him for many 
years. The exact date is uncertain. 



THE LIVERMORE HOUSE. LIVERMORE, ME. 
Deacon Elijah Livermore moved here from Waltham, Mass., 
in 1779, and soon after built this house. 




THE BRAY OR UNDERWOOD HOUSE, KITTERY. ME. 

This is a very fine old house, having been built by John Bray 
in 1660- His daug;hter Margery* was mother of Sir Wm. Pepperell 
of Louisburg fame. Another daughter married an Underbill, who 
for many years kept this as a tavern. During the Revolutionary 
"War it was used as a barrack for Soldiers. It has been well pre- 
served. 



THE COLE HOUSE, VASSALBORO', ME. 

This was built by Wm. Cole about 1760. It has been moved 
from the hill above and now stands close to the R. R., overlooking 
tlie valley of tJie Kennebec River. It has been somewhat modern- 
ized. 




J.-L CHADBOURNE HOUSE. BATH, ME. 

This is an old house standing on High Street soutJi of the 
Court House. 1 could not find out much that wai reliable about it; 
but it was probably built about 17&4. 



THE KING HOUSE. SCARBORO, ME. 

This house is noted for having been the birth-place of three 
famous brothers, Rufus King of New York; Wm. King the first 
Governor of Maine, 1820; and Cyrus Kmg who was a Member of 
Congress from Maine. 




OLD CUSTOM HOUSE, BIDDEFORD, ME. 

This i.s a peculiar old building and must be very old; but I 
can't find out when it was built ; it must have been previous to 1780 
as Jeremiah Hill who was on Gen, Washington's Staff was Custom 
House officer here for many years. 



THE STEVENS HOUSE, DEERING, ME. 

This stands on Ocean Stcefet and was built by a man named 
Stevens about 1760, if not before. It was for many years kept as a 
tavern. It is quite a large house and in a good state of preserva- 
tion. 




COLBURN HOUSE, PITTSTON, ME. 

Built by Reuben Colburn, grandfather of the present owner, about 1760. He built the baleaujc for Arnold 
when he was jireparing for the invasion of Canada. It stands near the bank of the Kennebec River and is in a 
good state of repair. 



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STEVENS HOUSE, PITTSTON, ME. 

This was built by Rob'l H. Gardiner about 1780 and bought of him by Caleb Stevens ancestor of the nre- 
ent owner, Franklin Stevens, in 181.;. This is a lovely place with an avenue of tine elms leading to the house 





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THE COX HOUSE, PORTLAND, ME. 

This is near the McClellan house and nearly as old, having been built by John Cox in 1732. It is a hjr^c 
house, in good repair and stands on High Street. 




THE McCLELLAN HOUSE, PORTLAND, ME. 

Tliis is perhaps the oldest house remaining in Portland, having been Iniill hy Hrice McClellan about 17^0. 
It sbinds on York Street, near Hif,'h. This is one of the houses that escaped wlicii the town was burnt by 
Mowalt in 1775. 




THE CROCKER HOUSE, BATH, ME. 

This house stands on High Street and was probably built by Isaiali Crocker, 1760. The lower story is 
brick and the upper is wood. It was moved some years since, the old chimney taken down and fvvo small ones 
put in. 




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THE WEBB HOUSE, BATH. ME 

This was built by WiUi:Lin Webb about 1784. It stands on elevated ground ofl' Summer St., commanding 
m fine view. It belongs to Mr. Wm. Torrey, grandson of Webb. 








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FORT WESTERN, AUGUSTA, ME. 

These buildings, standing on the east side of tlie Kennebec River, are supposed to be a portion or the 
whole of Fort Western, built by the Plymouth Company in 1754. The Block House represented in the view 
has been removed long since. The present building (now a tenement house) has dormer windows but they 
are probably of more modern date. 




BLOCK HOUSE, WINSLOW. ME. 



This is all tliat remains of Fort Halifax built by Gov. Shirley in 1761 at tlie junction of the Sebasticouk 
and Kennebec. It is,iji a somewhat dilapidated condition, hut I am glad to hear that it will not be torn down, 
but kept up in its present condition and repaired when necessary. 




THE COL. NATHANIEL GILMAN HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

TMs historical mansion was built by Dr. Dudley Odlin about 1730-6, and after his death was owned and 
occupied by the Oilman family for upwards of 100 years. A wing and piazza has been added to it, but the 
main building has not been materially changed. It is now occupied by Hon. Chas. H. Bell, and is in an excel- 
lent state of preservation. 




THE GOVERNOR GILMAN HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

The land on which this house stands was bought by Nathaniel Ladd of EHphalet Coffin in 1721. The 
main part is brick, which has been clapboarded to correspond with a wooden addition, and was built prior to 
1732. Daniel Oilman, father of Nicholas {State Treasurer) and grandfather of the subsequent owner, Gov. J.T. 
Oilman, bought it in 1747 for his son. It has ever since — save for a brief period — been in possession of the 
Oilman connection. Its present owner and occupant, John Taylor Perry, is a great grandson of Nicholas Gil- 
man. It is a fine and interesting old mansion, and is in an excellent state of preservation, having been com- 
pletely renovated with very few alterations. Its paneled walls and small paned windows remain as they were 
a century or more ago. 




PHILLIPS ACADEMY BUILDING, No. I, EXETER. N. H. 

This was occupied as a school building for thfr Phillips Academy from 1783 till 1794, when it was moved 
to the Plains where it now stands, not far from the Leavitt house on the old Haverhill turnpike. It was prob. 
ably built about 1760. It is now a farm house. The Academy was formally opened in 1783 ; its first preceptor 
being Wm. Woodbridge of Glastonbury, Conn., who resigned in 1788, and Dr. Benj. Abbott of Andover, 
Mass., was elected to fill his place, and a most fortunate selection it proved to be. 




PHILLIPS ACADEMY, No. 2. EXETER. N. H. 

This famous Academy was founded by John Phillips of Andover, Mass., who came to Bxeter in 1741, 
where he first opened a private school, but afterwards turned his attention to business, in which he met with 
fifTCat success, and died in 1795, the richest man in Exeter. The above represents the second Academy build- 
jig which was first occupied in 1794, and burnt down in 1870. To name tlie eminent men who have graduated 
from this building would fill a small volume. 




THE BRADBURY HOUSE, LACONIA, N. H. 
This is said to have been built by Col. Bradbury- about 1780. 



THE STEWART HOUSE, DUNBARTON, N. H. 

This was built by Samuel Stewart about 1765 and was burnt 
down a few vears since. 




mORA'IE GREELEY'S BIRTH-PLACE, AMHERST, N. M. 

When Horace Greeley was bom this house was not clap- 
boarded, and of course not painted. It is in a rather lonely part of 
the town. 



GARRISON HOUSE, CONCurtD, N, M 

This was built for a Garrison house by Edward Abbott about 
1735, and here the first white child was born in Concord. It origi- 
nally stood at the comer of Main and Montgomery Streets, where 
Mr. E. S. Nutter's house now is, and to which the old house joins, 
being used for a bara. The above view represents it as it was orig- 
inally. 




THE MARSH HOUSE, CHESTERFIELD, N. H. 

This is the old homestead of the Marsh family, and was prob- 
ably built before 1780. 



THE JACKSON HOUSE. PORTSMOUTH, N. H. 

This is on the Christian Shore side, and is claimed to be the 
oldest house in Portsmouth. It was built by Richard Jackson, 1661 
to 1670, and is still ovraed by his descendants. 




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THE YEATON HOUSE, NEWCASTLE, N. H. 

This is a very old house indeed, but I ciuinot find out who 
built it or when it was built. I sliould say tliat it must have been 
erected as early as 1750 at least. 



BAPTIST CHURCH, WESTMORELAND. N. H. 

This is probably the oldest Baptist Church in the State of 
New Hampshire, 



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THE JEWETT HOUSE. LACONIA, N. H. 

This was built by Jacob Jewett about 1784. He came from 
Pepperel, Mass 



THE 8L0DGETT HOUSE, MANCHESTER, N. H. 

This was built by Saiu*l Blodgett about 1790, and was pulled 
down in 1870. Sam'l Blodgett was a very enterprising man, and 
projector of tlie Amoskeag Canal. This view is taken from an old 
sketch made in 1812. 




Tr^Z STARK HOUSE. MANCHESTER, N. H. 

This was, built by GenM John Stark in 17G6 and occupied by 
him and his family during the remaining 67 years of his life. His 
descendants occupied it until about 40 years later, having been 
burnt down in 18G6. It was situated in tlie northerly part of Man- 
chester about half a mile from tlie head of Amoskeag Falls. 



THE EASTMAN HOUSE, CONCORD, N. H. 

This is on tlie cast side of the river. Capt. Ebenezer East- 
man erected the frame shortly before his death in 1748. Ebenezer 
Virgin afterwards bought it and moved it to its present location. 
It has passed since through several ownerships. 




THE LOVEWELL HOUSE, NASHUA, N. H. 

This was built by Gen. Noah Lovewell, a nephew of tlie hero of Pequaket, in 17fi9, The first CipC. 
I-OTCwell, who lived to be 102, was the father of the hero, who was bom in a house that stood on the spi>t 
where the present building now is, and which was torn down ki 1759. Some of the timbers and boards of the 
old Meeting House were used in this building, whose front door was also that of the Meetmg House. 




THE EAYERS OR EPPS HOUSE, NASHUA, N. H. 

This, the second oldest house In Nashua, is in the south part of the Town on the road Ut Tyngsboro,, 
near the Massachusetts line. It was built by Jos. Eayers, a Tanner and Revolutionary Patriot, In ITM. It is 
the only hoxrse having a long slant to its rear roof that can.npw be found m Nashua. The old tree on the lefl 
Is said to be 160 years old. 




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THE VARNEY HOUSE, DOVER, N. H. 

This very old house built by Ebenezer Varncy in M9«, stands near the foot of Garrison Hill and is qaite 
a large building, i t the time of its erection there were not enough men in Dover to raise the frame and others 
came in boats from Portsmouth to help. 




THE JAFFRAY HOUSE, NEWCASTLE. N. H. 

This was built by Geo. Jaffray about 1676 and remained in possession of his descendants until 1813. It 
Was used as a Council house in 1682-S3. After 1813 it changed ownership several times until its present pos- 
sessor, John Albee, bought it in 1866. It is a charming old place. 




THE ROLFE-RUMFOR.r) HOUSE, CONCORD, N. H. 

TMs was buUt in 1764 by Col. Benj. Rolfe, who died in 1774, and his Widow, a davighter of Rev. Timo- 
thy Walker, subsequentlj- married Benj. Thompson, (Count Rumford) who, after occupying it several years 
with his family, went abroad and never returned. Mrs. Thompson Jived in it until her death In 17W when it de- 
scended to her son Col. Paul Rolfe; who, dying in 1819, left it to his half-sister Sarah, Countess of Rumford. 
At her decease ic laSX it went as a foundation to the Rolfe & Rumford Asylum, to which it now belongs. 




THE WALKER HOUSE, CONCORD, N. H. 

This WM built in 1734 by Rev. Timothy Walker, (the first, and for fifty years, the only Minister of Con- 
cord,) who lived in it until his death in 1788. From him it passed to his son Judge Timothy Walker who occo- 
pied it until 18M when he died ; and it descended to his son Capt. Jos. Walker, who, dying in 1833 left it to his 
son Jos. B.Walker, its present occupant. It has been somewhat modified from time to time; hut this view 
presents it as originally constructed. 




THE LEAVITT HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

This is on Front StreePand was used as a tavern during the war. TJiere seems to he a j>:ood deaf of 
doubt as to who built it, but it probably dates back to about 1740. It has been added to since and somewhat 
changed. It is now owned by Sam'l W. I-,eavitt. Mr. Wni. Robinson, who founded the Female Academy, 
passed the early years of his boyhood in this house. 




THE FOLSOM HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

This was built for a tavern in T787 by Coi. SamT Folsom, a leading citizen of Exeter, at the corner of 
Court Square and Water Street. On th« morning of Oct. 4th, 1788, Gen. Washing^ton breakfasted here, being 
on his way to Haverhill. He was accompanied by his Secretaries, Col. Lear and Major Jackson, and a single 
servant. Col. Nicholas Gilman and other officers an^ the principal citizens paid their respects to the distin- 
guished guest. 



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TmE Old WtNT worth MANSION, LITTLE HARBOR. N. H. 

M,rth?H-,r'"'.T't °"? """r'r "^ .''"'" "'' °°'- ^"^'"^ Wentwortl. in 1755. He married hi, housem^d 
Martha H.lton. tl,e heroine of Lon^ellow's poem "lady Wentworth." It is an exceedingly interesting 
building and stands in a very fine location commanding beautiful views. 




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THE VAUGHN HOUSE, PORTSMOUTH. N. H. 



This is a very old house, on Manning Street, and is said to have been built by the Crown for a Cover, 
nor's house, and it was ocaipied as such by three Governors, two of whom were Wentworths. It was proba. 
ably built about 1870. It now belongs to the Vaughn family. 




THE TILTON HOMESTEAD, TILTON, N. H. 

Nathaniel Tilton, son of Saro'l Tilton originally from Wales, removed from Stratham or New Market to 
Sanbornton in 1708, and settled on lot 66 nearly a mile above the bridge, and built the Tilton homestead. He 
ivas the second of the seven who put their names to the Original Church Covenant of the 1st Church in Town, 
Nov. 13th, 1771, and was chosen deacon Jan. 2d, 1772. He served the old church more than 39 years. He died 
Feb. 11th, 1814. After him and through his descendants, the southern portion of the original town is now 
called Tilton. 




THE JAFFRAY HOUSE. PORTSMOUTH, N. H. 



This fine old house was built by Georg^e Jaifray or Jaffrey in 1T30. 
of New Hampshire. It stands on Linden Street. 



He was Treasurer of the Province 





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THE DANIEL GILMAN HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

This was probably built by Dan'l Oilman about 1750 aiid was 
the house where WTiitefield stopped on his l:ist visit to Exeter, He 
dined here Sept. 29th, 1770. 



iric iiLioN uR r\ilN<j HuUaE^ tXETER, N. H. 

It was opposite this house that Rev. George Whitefield 
preached his last sermon in Exeter, Sept. 29th, 1770. He went to 
Newburyport the same day, and died there the day after. How 
old this is I can't find out; but it was probably about 1750, or per- 
haps earlier. 




OL.D POST OFFICE, EXETER, N. H. 

This building has been moved from Water Street, where it 
long stood, and is said to have been used as a Post Office more than 
a hundred years since. It has been modernized and is now oppo- 
site the Cemetery. It was probably built by Jos. Wadley about 1728. 



BIRTHPLACE OF GEN'L CASS, EXETER, N H. 

Here Lewis Cass was born in 1782 while his mother, who was 
a Oilman, was on a visit to her relatives. This house was built by 
a Gilm;m abimt. 1740. It has been somewhat modernized. It is 
now owned by John Oilman. 




THE DANIELS-SEWARD HOUSE, .^EENE, N H. 

This was built by Daniel Wilson about 1750. His wife was 
in the house on the day of tlie battle of Bennington and claimed to 
have heard tlie firing. About 1786 the house was sold to Jacob Dan. 
iels, and since then it has changed hands more than once. Daniel 
Wilson was the gztat uncle of Gen'l Joseph Wiison. Polly, daugh. 
ter of Dan'l Wilson married Josiah Seward of Sullivan. 



THE HEATON HOUSE, KEENE, N. H. 

This is believed to have been bnllt by Seth Heaton, at least as 
early as 1780. It is about two miles from the centre of the city and 
is in a pretty good state of preservation. 




THF. DARLING GARRISON HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

This was built by John Gllman, of squared logs, in 1648. It 
citands on tlie corner of Water and CUt^ord Streets. This is the 
•car view, as the front has been completely modernized. Most of 
the loopholes have been turned into windows. 



THE JANGRIN HOUSE, EXETER, N, H, 

This is another very old Garrison house, standing near the 
Common. The walls of this building are of heavj- plank, and when 
it was stripped, some years since, for fresh clapboarding, a number 
of bullet holes were found. It was probably built by a Colcord 
about 1680, if not earlier, 




THE ODIORNE HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

This stands on Cross Street and was probably built by an Odi 
erne about 1780. It is in a pretty good state of repair. 



THE GORDON HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 
This was once a fine house, but is fast going to ruin. It was 
built by a man named Gordon about 1780 or perhaps before. It 
stands on high ground off Newmarket Street. 




THE HACKETT-PEABODY HOUSE, EXETER, N. H. 

This is on the east side of the river, near the bridge. It was 
probably built by Col. Jos. Hackett about 1780. It was afterward 
owned by Gen'l Peabody. 



THE HAM HOUSE, DOVER, JJ. H. 

This w.as built by Benj. Ham in 1743, and remained in pos- 
session of his descendants until 1878. It is situated on the eastern 
side of Central Avenue, not far from tlie Varney House. 




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DANIEL WEBSTER'S BIRTH-PLACE, SALISBURY. 

This house is about three milos from Franklin. The old house in wliich Dan'l Webster was bora 
was a one-story building, and stands, or rather a portion of it, benveen the large house, as seen in the 
picture, and the barn. The t\vo-story part is of much later erection. 




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COLBY-LEAVITT HOUSE, SANBORNTON. 

This is one of tlie oldest houses in Sanhornton, and was probably built about 1780. 




THE HALL HOUSE, MANCHESTER CENTER. 

This house was h"ilt by Daniel Hall, about 1773, and is now owned by his grandson. It is only a 
short distance from what was the old Town House. 










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THE OLD TOWN HOUSE, MANCHESTER CENTER. 

This was originally a Meeting House; was afterwards used as a Town House; then as a tene- 
ment house, and is now owned by Josiah Sargeant. It is in a pretty good state of repair. It is now 
(1886) about 100 years old. 




THE CLOUGH HOUSE, CANTERBURY. 

This house is about one-halt" mile from tlie R. R. Station, and was huilt about 1780 by Jeremiah 
Cloug-h, for his son Joseph. It is now owned by his grandson who has considerably modernized it. It 
was quite a mansion when erected and is still a very larj^e and handsome house. The picture shows it as 
it appeared when first built. It is very near the Merriniac River, and Mt. Kearsarge is seen in the dis- 
tance. On the bluff, to the right, was a look-out station. 




THE GERRISH HOUSE, CANTERBURY. 

The larger portion n( this is the oldest and was built by Jos. Gerrish about 1782 or perhaps a little 
earlier. The wirdows are very peculiarly arranged, as will be readily noticed. It sUnds on the bank of 
the Merrijnac River about a mile above the Clough house, and is in a rather dilapidated condilion. 




THE BOYNTON HOUSE, LACONIA. 

This house stands on Pleasant Street, and is one of the oldest houses in the village, ha\-ing I»t:€n 
huik by David Boynton about V-784: It was a large and well-built house in its day. 




THE BLAISDELL HOUSE, GILFORD. 

This house is about three miles from Lake Village, and was built by Sam'l Blaiadett about 1780. It 
is still owned by his descendant. It is in a rather dilapidated condition. 




THE MATTHEWS HOUSE, BENNINGTON, VT. 

In this house Col. Baura,coinmander of the Hessians, haviiig^ been mortally wounded in the Battle of 
Pennington, died 1777. This house has been taken down. 




THE HARWOOD HOUSE, BENNINGTON, VT. 

This was built bj Peter Hanvood, one of the first settlers in Be.ining^ton, about 1772. It is in a g-ood 
state of preservation and has a handsome front door. It stands near the foot nf Ml. Anthony 




THE SARGEANT HOUSE, BRATTLEBORO, VT. 

This was Iiailt by Thos. Sargeant iibout 1770. His father, Jolin, sometimes called David, was one of th<^ 
earliest settlers in Vermont, in 1730, and located first at Fort Dumnier. He was killed by the Indians in 174*2. 
John Sargeant, Jr., wuri probably the first white child born in Vermont, Dec. 4, 1732. The granddaughter of 
Thos. Sargeant. nearly 88 years of age, lives here. 




THE WHITCOMB HOUSE. LUDLOW, VT, 

This house, which is in a dilapidated condition, was built by Jonathan WHiitciniib about 1782-3 and sold 
by his ^andson to J. Davidson. 183) . It is now owned liy H. L. Warner. 




THE POST HOUSE, RUTLAND, VT. 

This house must have been built before 178C. f(>r in tliat year about fifty men concerned in a ^inall rebel- 
lion, similar in its cause and objects to tliat of Shay*s in Mass., went to this house tn stay over niiflit, wliere 
they were captured by tlie Government troops. It stands about a mile out of Rutland on the old Bnrlingrton 
sta^-road. It has been modernized. 




THE HAYES HOUSE, BRATTLEBORO, VT. 

This house stnnds in what is called West Brattlcboro, and was built by Rutherford Hayes about 1784. 
He came from New Haven, Conn., in 1778, just of age, and built a blacksmith's shop and aftenvards this house. 
It has now a piazza in front which was not there originally. It is owned by his granddaughter, the widow of 
W. H. Bigelow, and is in an excellent stjite of repair. 




THE GOULD HOUSE, RUTLAND, VT. 

Xath'l Guuld kept tiivern here in 1786 and prob;ihlv built it. Brass 
Clocks were made here by Ber.j. Lord and Nicholas Goddard in 1790, 
l>u it is now occupied as a store and lias been considerably altered. 



TKEBRIDGEMAN FORT, VERNON, VT. 

This must ha\c beer, built before 1746 as it was attacked in that 
year b}' a party of ladians. The above picture is taken from an old en- 
graving. 




THE CADWELL HOUSE, MONTPELIER, VT. 

This was tile second house built in Montpelier, by James Haw- 
kins, probably about 1786. A store was afterwards kept here by Wyllit. 
J. Cadweli and Timothy Hubbard. It has recently been pulled down. 



CATAMOUNT TAVERN, BENNINGTON, VT. 

This building^ (unfortunately burnt some years since) was the 
scene of many a memorable event in the early settlement of Vermont 
nn account of the disputes as to right of tcrritni-y between N. Y, and 
N. H. In front of this tavern was a stuffed Catamount's skin fastened 
on the top of a post 25 feet high, with large teeth grinning towards New 
York. The proper name was The Green Mountain Ta^*e^n. 




THE JENKINS HOUSE, RUTLAND, VT. 

Whether this was built by a man named Jenkins or by the Coun- 
ty, about 17S0, is uncertain. It was occupied as a Court House for 7 
years ;ind tlie first Legislature of Vermont met in it. It is in a i»ood 
state of pro-crvation, but has been sonie^vhat altered. The picturt- 
shows it as it was originally. 



THE OLD TOWN POOR HOUSE, BENNINGTON. VT. 

There seems to be some doubt who built this house, but it was 
probal^lv built bv one of the Kobinson family at least 100 years ago. It 
is in a verj* dilapidated condition and is used only as a sort of store 
house. 



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